Chicks With Sticks is a book for beginner crocheters – however this is not a dry 'how to' instruction book. The beginner crocheter is taken gently by the hand by the authors Mary Ellen O’Connell and Nancy Queen, and walked through all aspects of learning to crochet in a friendly and accessible style. The instructions include the basic stitches and techniques, plus important information about how to by yarn and many other hints and tips – in fact everything a beginner wants to know. The techniques learned are quickly put into practice throughout the 30 different projects within the book which range from very simple and quick to do items through to garments. The book can be purchased from yarn and craft stores, book stores or online from retailers such as Amazon - The Chicks with Sticks Guide to Crochet

Instruction
Chicks With Sticks provides a beginner crocheter with all the information required to start crocheting. The instructions are easy to read and assume absolutely no prior knowledge. All techniques and any jargon are explained so a complete beginner will not be left scratching their head wondering about some of the finer points of crochet-speak.

The illustrations clearly demonstrate the techniques and provide the basic foundations. Rather than providing page after page of instruction, once the basics have been explained, the reader gets taken straight into the projects which give further information and explains how the stitches or techniques are used, along with relevant hints and tips.

Projects
Each project clearly shows and explains new stitches and techniques with illustrations throughout. The projects are grouped into lessons therefore the reader progresses throughout the book, learning new techniques and stitches as they go.

The projects are wide and varied and range from those that are suitable for the complete beginner through to those that are more suited to advanced-beginners. Saying that, even experienced crocheters will find plenty to interest them throughout the book.

The inclusion of garments in a beginner's crochet book is welcome. Many beginner crochet books concentrate on quick-to-complete items, which overlooks the fact that beginner crocheters may well want to undertake a larger, more substantial project to build up their skill and experience.

The projects are modern and contemporary erring on the funky side – but not too wacky. Besides garments and accessories, dog lovers will enjoy the dog sweater project. Some of the projects feature felting which is extremely popular, and full instructions are given to this versatile technique. Hints and tips are liberally scattered throughout as are suggestions for adapting and varying projects.

Materials
One great feature of the book is that generic yarn quantities are given (for instance 530 yards of worsted yarn) and although information is given as to what yarn was used in the illustration, the reader is able to create their own unique items by choosing yarn that fits their style and wallet. Full information is provided at the start of the book about how yarns are classified making this process easy and straightforward.

Conclusion
Reading this book feels that you have a friend teaching you the basics of crochet. The tone is accessible but not patronizing. Plenty of information is provided at the end of the book about resources for further reading including some useful crochet websites.

Recommended For?
Without a doubt this book is recommended for beginner crocheter who want to achieve more than a granny square. This would also be ideal for lapsed crocheters looking to brush up on their skills.

Further Information

Publisher: Watson-Guptill

ISBN-13: 978-0823006762

About the Authors
Nancy Queen is one of the Chicks with Sticks, the creators of a popular line of knitting and crochet patterns sold in yarn shops. A popular designer and instructor, she is the author of Crochet for Tots.

Mary Ellen O’Connell, the other Chick, is a lifelong knitter who creates knitting patterns for her own line, Meo Designs, as well as for the Chicks with Sticks. Both Chicks live near Philadelphia.